By Chris Parker
Hurley boys basketball will look to get back to their winning ways after back-to-back losing seasons.
They have a good start on that goal with their three leading scorers from last year returning.
Seniors Noah Chrystal and Jaden Hicks will be team leaders this year. Chrystal was third on the team in scoring last year at 11.5 points per game. Hicks, who earned second-team all-conference honors, was second on the team in scoring at 13.8 points per game.
“Noah Chrystal and Jaden Hicks will be our leaders this season,” head coach Ryan Yates said. “They are both seniors and the boys respect them. They are working very hard, are being very good vocal leaders, and are setting the tempo for us this season.”
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Juniors Terry Lowery and Avery Myers along with sophomore Aiden Whaley have shown strong off-season improvement. Lowery was the team’s leading scorer at 16.7 points per game last year. He earned second-team all-conference honors. Myers averaged 5.4 points per game.
“These three guys have gotten stronger and more skilled than they were last year,” Yates said. “Terry is our leading scorer from last season and I feel he is working harder and playing at a higher level than he did before. Avery and Aiden will have breakout seasons. They have improved quite a bit. They have the right mindset and skill to have very good seasons.”
Junior forward Hayden Grubbs will see significant minutes if he isn’t a starter. Freshman Shawn Whitlatch is an athletic and skilled guard who will look to make an immediate impact.
Hurley opens the season Nov. 21-25 at the Verona tournament.
“We want to outwork teams. I want these guys playing as hard as they can the entire game,” Yates said. “I expect us to improve and win more games.”
